The Role of Arthur Birling in An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

J.B. Priestley's Use of Dramatic Devices to Convey His Concerns and Ideas in An Inspector Calls

Arthur Birling says: “If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it would be very awkward wouldn’t it?” How does Priestley present ideas about responsibility in An Inspector Calls?

Difference in Reactions of Sheila Birling and Her Father in J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls

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Throughout the study of JB Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’, it is easy to identify that there are many points in which this text both conforms and subverts to the conventions of the mystery genre. The author explores the archetypal mystery genre through firstly, the dead body and murder of Eva Smith, as well as the clues and motives that are revealed throughout the investigation. This is further followed by the series of intertwining characters, and the inquiry of their involvement in the death. However, this typical mystery text can be contradicted by the fact that this death was not a murder, but a suicide case, changing the expectations to instead of who killed her, but what were the lead up in events to result in Eva killing herself.

“An Inspector Calls” is originally a play by J B Priestley in 1945, and has been represented in a variety of diverse ways, as a book, a play and many films.

In the play ‘An Inspector Calls’, written by J.B. Priestley, there are 6 main characters. Sheila Birling, daughter of Sybil and Arthur Birling, is a childish young lady who’s engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of the owner of a successful business. Eric Birling, the youngest out of the family, is a seemingly quiet and insecure man who is consistently ignored and thrown back by his father who in comparison is a highly selfish, egocentric businessman. He only considers himself, money and reputation. His stubborn wife, Sybil, regularly attempts to portray herself as an upper class woman.The Birlings are a very wealthy capitalist household, meaning that they believe in responsibility for themselves and no one else. On the other hand, Inspector Goole,

Mr Birling in J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls Works Cited Missing Written in 1946,by J.B.Priestley, "An Inspector Calls" leads us into

“An Inspector Calls” is a play written by J.B. Priestly in 1945. The play, which is set in 1912, illustrates the vast status difference in society at the time. Priestly wanted to show to the audience a more dramatic look at the relationship between the wealthy and the poor.

J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls 'An Inspector Calls' by J.B. Priestley is set in an industrial city, Brymley in 1912, just before the First World War. The Inspector's dealings with the Birling family cause some of the characters in the play to re-evaluate their position in society, whilst others remain unaffected. J.B.Priestley criticises middle class oppression of the working class by showing how the Birlings and Gerald Croft are involved in making a young working class girl's life a misery. Act one begins by introducing the characters and presents a seemingly happy united family looking forward to the future with a degree of confidence. Arthur Birling is having an enjoyable celebration

Consider the ways in which Priestley's portrayal of Inspector Goole and the way in which he carries out his investigation of the Birling family and Gerald Croft create dramatic interest? ' An inspector calls' was written in 1945 by J.B Priestley. The play is set in 1912 and centres on Arthur Birling, a prosperous manufacturer and his family, who are celebrating the engagement of their daughter, when they are suddenly and dramatically interrupted by the arrival of the police inspector. The inspector, investigating the suicide of a young working-class woman, uncovers each of the family's shameful secrets that link them with the young girl and her death.

The Importance of Birling's Interaction with the Inspector in Act One of An Inspector Calls

In Act One of ‘An Inspector Calls’, how does J. B. Priestley use dramatic devices to convey his concerns and ideas to members of the audience, as well as interest and involve them in the play?

A part of the book that really surprised me was what Helmuth said in the courtroom. After he and his friends were charged with conspiracy to commit high treason, Justice Fikes asked the boys if they had anything to say. None of Helmuths friends had anything to say, but when it was his turn he let all of his feelings out. Helmuth stated, “All I did was tell the truth, and you have sentenced me to die, just for telling the truth. My time is now but your time will come!” This was the most surprising part of the book to me for many reasons. First, Helmuth was already in major trouble and was very close to be sentenced to die. Also, anything negative said about the nazis was a major crime back then. Then after when Helmuth is asked by Rudi -

Throughout J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector Calls” we are shown that the character of Arthur Birling is portentous and absolutely concerned about his own standing in society, having once been at the very bottom of the social ladder, and his reputation to the extent that we see not much else fazes him. All through the events of this play Mr Birling is only worried about what effect they would have on him and his position. Despite all of the things he finds that his family as well as Gerald has done, his main worry is the thought of scandal or the possibility of not getting this alleged knighthood to the point where he does not end the play feeling any sympathy